New Food Labels Give Consumers More Information

Consumers now have more information about the foods they purchase as a long-awaited government policy on food labels kicks in this week.

Labels on most fresh meats, some fruits, vegetables and other foods will now list where the food originated. In the case of meats, some labels will list where the animal was born, raised and slaughtered. The new rules make it eaiser for consumers to determine if food is imported or domestic.

The regulations, first enacted in September, had a six-month window for manufacturers and suppliers to meet compliance. Food safety groups lobbied for the policy, which was enacted by Congress as part of a wide-ranging farm bill last year.